US Fish & Wildlife Service Named to AARP’s “2013 Best Employer for Workers Over 50 List”

June 18, 2013

Contact(s):
Bruce Decker (703) 358-2521
Anita Noguera (703) 358-2294

A first time honoree, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has been selected as a recipient of the AARP 2013 Best Employers for Workers Over 50 Award, ranking 14th among the 50 winners, and one of only three federal agencies to make this year's list. The award recognizes businesses and organizations that have implemented innovative policies, actions, and best practices to attract and retain a multigenerational workforce. Stephen Guertin, Deputy Director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service received the award on behalf of the Service at a special ceremony on Monday, June 17, 2013 in Chicago, IL, by AARP and the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM).

"We are very pleased that the AARP has recognized us for our commitment to older workers and retirees," said Guertin. "Currently, 39 percent of our workforce is over the age of 50, and we provide robust wellness and benefits programs that enhance the lives of our mature workers, and keep our active retirees connected to the agency. This commitment is part of a larger and broader effort to develop a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the fabric of America and the public we serve."

In only three years, one-third of the total U.S. workforce will be age 50 or older, up from 28 percent in 2007, while the percentage of workers in their early twenties is projected to decline, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Attracting and retaining mature, experienced employees is becoming increasingly important for employers seeking to fill critical skill shortages and retain their competitive edge in today's marketplace.

AARP; the magazine will be featuring the 2013 Best Employers in its August-September issue, to be mailed to subscribers in July 2013. The article will also appear online at www.aarpmagazine.org. For more information on the 2013 Best Employers, please go to www.aarp.org/bestemployers. Included there is background on each employer's workforce practices and a full description of the selection process.

The Service has received numerous awards for its hiring and retention efforts including the 2013 *Diversity Journal* Diversity Leader Award, and the Department of the Interior's "Diversity Partnership Award" and "Best Practices Award" for the agency's diversity-friendly initiatives. Additionally, the Service's efforts for disabled veterans and disabled Americans have been recognized by the State of Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Collaborative's (MARC) Disability Workforce Consortium.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.